Punjab Plans First Satellite-Based Surveillance System, Minister Says

By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Punjab’s Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique has announced plans to develop Pakistan’s first satellite-based surveillance system, aimed at enhancing urban planning and monitoring across the province.
Speaking at a meeting of the Punjab Special Spatial Planning Authority at the Civil Secretariat, Rafique said the initiative is being undertaken under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
He noted that master planning for 37 districts and 128 tehsils has already been completed, alongside land use and zoning frameworks. The minister added that an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system is currently being trained to support the authority’s monitoring functions, with capabilities expected to improve over time.
“The chief minister has directed the creation of Pakistan’s first satellite surveillance system,” Rafique said, adding that the technology will enable authorities to detect new construction activities on a monthly basis through advanced spatial monitoring.
Officials said the Planning Support System (PSS) has been integrated with the provincial government’s digital platforms, including e-Biz and e-Construction, allowing online processing of applications for housing and development schemes.
The PSPA has also developed a broader digital ecosystem, including ongoing work on satellite imagery classification and the deployment of dedicated representatives in deputy commissioners’ offices to streamline coordination.
Rafique said the new system will simplify approval procedures for housing projects while ensuring better protection of agricultural and forest land—key priorities under the provincial government’s development agenda.
He further directed the authority to collaborate with the Punjab Information Technology Board to enhance the usability of the geospatial platform and improve public access to planning services.
Observers say the initiative marks a significant step toward digitizing urban governance and strengthening data-driven planning in Pakistan’s most populous province.